Urushi (pronounced "oo-roo-shee") is one of the most durable natural lacquers known to man. Urushi is produced from the sap of a tree called urushi tree: “rhus vernicifua”.

Urushi lacquered ornaments including bracelets have been discovered in Japan dating from the Jomon period 9,000 years ago. In the west, these objects are also referred to as "japanned" objects.

Hardened urushi is water and acid proof, and also protects the object from heat, salt, mold and mildews and all types of weathering. It has been used on wood, pottery, bone, baskets, fabric and metal.
Japanese traditional paper “washi”, lacquered with urushi is one of the specialties of the House of Sugihara. Thanks to the highly accomplished technique and experience of Sugihara’s artisans, the urushi lacquered paper keeps its traditional “washi” texture and is given higher water and humidity resistance. The Sugihara urushi papers are called “uruwashi”, the name which evokes “urushi”, “washi” and the “beauty” at a time.

Kaki-shibu : Persimmon Tannin Dyeing
Persimmons, which have been popular among the Japanese people since long time ago, are divided into sweet persimmons and astringent persimmons. Sweet persimmons are consumed as edible fruits, and astringent persimmons are used as raw material for Persimmon tannin, or kaki-shibu.

Kaki-shibuis manufactured by squeezing fruits of green astringent persimmons followed by maturation, and has been used in various ways such as a natural dye, a folk medicine, a preservative, a deodorant and a food additive. Kaki-shibu is also an important element for sake making as a fining agent.

It has been a long time since Japanese people learned to apply kaki-shibu on traditional paper: washi.Kaki-shibu gives washi a particular luster and texture. It also protects washi from humidity and mold.

Kaki-shibu lacquered washi paper of the House of Sugihara is produced by an exceptional work of skilled artisans. Kaki-shibu is applied five times on washi, giving it a profound aspect. Kaki-shibu washi’s color varies from beige to brown, to choose following your taste.

A form of starch derived from the tuberous root of the "Devel's Tonge" or konjac plant. The konnyaku powder is mixed with wter to form a thick liquid which gives added strength and impermeability to the paper onto wich it is brushed. It is commonly used on papers for wet strength (kyosei-shi) or for dyeing with indigo or other pigments.

Do you know that there is a carpet made of Japanese traditional paper: washi? The application of egoma oil, extracted from an annual plant of the group of labiates, on piled washi papers makes the washi carpet resistant. It gives a fresh sensation when touched, splendid in summer. This carpet is called yuton.

Yuton changes colors progressively when used; the clear beige of the beginning slowly changes to profound brown. Yuton can be enjoyed for a hundred years, if used in a good condition.

We are pleased to show you, during the Salon du Meuble de Paris 2006, two small pieces of yuton, one new and the other 50 year’s old. You can compare their colors!